Italian maestro Andrea Pirlo opted to not include back-to-back Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo in his UEFA Champions League dream team. The team, however, has the Real Madrid front-man's eternal rival Lionel Messi, leading the attack.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke is part of a fresh generation of Spain players aiming to make an impact in Euro 2016 qualifying and says he would be happy if he achieves half the success of retired great Xavi.

The legendary Spanish coach, Luis Aragones, who helped Spain win 2008 Euro, died aged 75 on Saturday. After spending majority of his playing career with Atletico Madrid, Luis started his managerial career with the capital club in 1974.

Four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi will need to wait to make his return from a hamstring injury after being left out of Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino`s squad for Sunday`s visit of Elche.

Vicente del Bosque`s principle concern going into next year`s World Cup finals is that his players might have lost the humility that underpinned recent success, the Spain coach was quoted as saying on Tuesday.